but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
This does not mean ignore all evil or refuse to oppose sin and false doctrine; it means do not take private revenge on an evil man. You may defend yourself and seek redress through magistrates, but not through retaliation. Rather than strike back as their law permitted, submit meekly to the affront or seek satisfaction another way.
AI summary
Verse 39. (e) "resist not evil" (f) "smite thee"
Christ forbids retaliation, not self-defense; there is a difference between avoiding injury without wrongdoing and rendering evil for evil. The point concerns what consumes the heart, not whether you ward off a blow, but whether you nurse hatred or wish to return harm. Paul shows the way: overcome evil by good, not by matching wrong with wrong.
AI summary